Lemania College: Courses, Admission & Boarding

Switzerland is globally recognised for its high-quality education system. Its unique dual-track structure and multilingual environment—featuring four national languages—make it a popular destination for international study. Lemania College in Switzerland (French: École Lémania Lausanne) is a well-known private boarding school. However, before sending their children abroad, many parents may naturally wonder: Is Lemania College a good choice?

In this article, the team at Grove Education introduces the key features of Lemania College, including its academic structure, tuition fees, boarding life, and admission requirements, to help parents considering Swiss education make a well-informed decision.

Note: Switzerland has four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—and a rich multicultural environment. Its education system combines academic and vocational pathways. After completing lower secondary education, students are guided into different tracks: they may pursue an academic route leading to university or opt for vocational training through apprenticeships, preparing them for direct entry into the workforce. [1]

Study in Switzerland 

Source: iStock

Introduction to Lemania College

Founded in 1908, Lemania College is an international school located in the heart of Lausanne, Switzerland’s second-largest French-speaking city. The campus is just a five-minute drive from the train station, offering excellent transport links. Situated near Lake Geneva, the area enjoys a mild climate and pleasant seasons, combining convenient accessibility with a beautiful natural setting.

The Lemania campus blends historic architecture with modern facilities, including science laboratories, computer rooms, a swimming pool, and tennis courts—all designed to support students’ academic and daily needs. With boarders from over 100 countries, the school fosters a multicultural environment that encourages global exchange.

Overview of Lemania College’s Academic Programmes

Lemania College primarily serves students aged 11 to 19 and offers a wide range of academic programmes. These include lower secondary education, vocational apprenticeship training, the French Baccalaureate, the Swiss Matura, early university entrance preparation for the University of Lausanne (Université de Lausanne), and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. These diverse pathways are designed to support students in progressing towards various higher education opportunities. [2]

For example, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Lemania College spans two years, comprising IB1 and IB2 levels. It is designed to prepare students for entry into top-tier universities around the world. Non-native English speakers may opt for a one-year Pre-IB course to strengthen their language proficiency and adapt to the academic demands of the international curriculum. [3]

When introducing the academic offerings at Lemania College, it is important to highlight that the institution is more than just an international school—it also provides a wide range of language and professional development courses. Its diverse curriculum includes English and French language courses, as well as various business programmes such as the Federal VET Diploma in Commerce (CFC), the Diploma in Business and Entrepreneurship, the Diploma in Executive Management, and the Diploma in Accounting Assistance. These programmes are available in both day and evening formats, making them suitable for individuals seeking further education in the business field.

Lemania College offers English and French language courses, consisting of 15 to 20 hours of instruction per week. French courses are available from beginner to advanced levels (A1 to C1) and are open to complete beginners. All classes are taught by native speakers, enabling students to rapidly improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while becoming familiar with various accents. In addition, a summer course is held every July, combining dynamic language instruction with a wide range of engaging activities. [4]

Lemania College Boarding Life

Lemania College offers boarding accommodation for male and female students aged 15 and above, with a choice of three room types: Standard, Comfort, and Comfort+. All options are available as single or twin rooms, each equipped with Wi-Fi access and modern amenities. Boarding services include meals, room cleaning, and laundry. According to the official Lemania College website, the boarding centre places strong emphasis on safety management and cultural integration, ensuring that students can focus on their studies in a secure and welcoming environment. [5]

In terms of boarding options, Lemania College provides flexible arrangements to suit varying needs. In addition to the standard Full Boarding (seven days a week) and Weekly Boarding (five days a week), both short-term stays (under 10 weeks) and long-term stays (over 10 weeks) are available.

Lemania College Boarding School 

Source: Lemania College

Fees and Costs at Lemania College

The fees at Lemania College vary significantly depending on the type of programme, the student’s year group, and whether tuition, boarding, and meals are included. Additional costs may also apply for extracurricular activities, books, and supplies, resulting in a broad range of total expenses. [6]

According to the official Lemania College website, for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, the tuition fee for the Pre-IB course is CHF 28,000 per year (approximately HKD $257,800), while the full IB Diploma Programme costs CHF 36,000 per year (approximately HKD $331,400). [7]

As for boarding, IB students can expect to pay between CHF 28,490 and CHF 105,080 per year (approximately HKD $262,300 to $967,600). This wide variation is determined by the room type (Standard, Comfort, or Comfort+), whether the room is single or shared, and the chosen boarding arrangement (full boarding or weekly boarding). [7] For short-term (monthly) or long-term accommodation, different pricing structures apply.

Further Reading: Hoping to Study at a Swiss Secondary School? Learn About Swiss Boarding School Fees, Education System, and Admission Process

Lemania College Application Requirements and Process

Admission requirements at Lemania College vary depending on the programme. For instance, applicants to the IB1 level of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme are expected to demonstrate a minimum English proficiency of CEFR level B1 (intermediate level), supported by relevant documentation such as a TOEFL score of 72 or above, or an IELTS score of 6 or higher. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may opt to apply for the one-year Pre-IB course to strengthen their language skills. However, they must still demonstrate a minimum of CEFR A2 (pre-intermediate) level in English communication. [8]

Applicants to the IB1 Programme must submit academic transcripts from the past two years (in English), along with a letter of recommendation highlighting their academic potential and personal character. If English is not the applicant’s native language, or they have not studied in an English-speaking environment for more than four years, they are required to provide proof of English proficiency, such as an IELTS or TOEFL score. Those who have not taken a formal English exam must contact the school to arrange an online language assessment to verify their CEFR B1 proficiency.

In addition, applicants must submit a handwritten personal essay of 300 to 400 words on one of the following topics: My Favourite Sport, My Contribution to the Community, What I Can Bring to Lemania College, or What I Am Passionate About. Other required documents include a copy of the applicant’s passport, a passport-sized photograph, and a copy of the residence permit for non-Swiss nationals.

Once the application form and all supporting documents are complete, they should be submitted to Lemania College's admissions office either by email or post. The school will confirm receipt of the application within 24 hours and provide information on the next steps. As part of the process, applicants are required to attend an interview—either online or in person—allowing the admissions team to better understand their educational goals and personal qualities. [9]

* CEFR refers to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Lemania College Application Process 

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Is Lemania College a Good Choice? Feel Free to Contact Grove Education for Further Advice

The above has outlined key aspects of Lemania College, including its distinctive features, academic structure, fees, boarding arrangements, and application requirements. However, even after reviewing all this information, many parents may still wonder: Is Lemania College a good choice?

From an academic standpoint, Lemania College is part of the Lemania Swiss Group of Schools, a well-established private education group in Switzerland that operates several reputable institutions known for their academic standards. [10]

As for the language environment, parents may have concerns given that English is not an official national language of Switzerland, and Lemania College is located in the country’s French-speaking region. Understandably, some may worry that students who do not speak French might face communication barriers, have difficulty keeping up with lessons, or struggle to integrate socially. However, Lemania College is an international school with a strong background in language education. It offers a wide range of English-medium programmes, including intensive English courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The school is known for its high teaching standards—for example, many of its IB teachers hold doctoral degrees. [11] This highlights that students with sufficient English proficiency can fully engage in school life, even without prior knowledge of French.

Parents are encouraged to consider the above points when making their decision. For personalised advice, feel free to contact our team at Grove Education. We are here to provide professional and tailored support to help guide your educational choices.

References:

1. Presence Switzerland - Education

https://www.aboutswitzerland.eda.admin.ch/zh/jiaoyu 

2. Lemania School - General Education

https://www.lemania.ch/en/general-education/ 

3. Lemania School - Internation baccalaureate

https://www.lemania.ch/en/international-baccalaureate/ 

4. Lemania School - Language courses in Lausanne: English and French

https://www.lemania.ch/en/language-courses-2/ 

5. Lemania School - Boarding School 

https://www.lemania.ch/en/boarding-school/ 

6. Lemania School - Boarding School FAQ